This Just In... from Gen Con http://thisjustinfromgencon.com
Thu, 30 Jan 2014 23:35:29 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1This Just In From GenCon is a live & recorded media event happening at GenCon 2008, part of the Podcasting track, to let folks know about things going on at GenCon! Sponsored by Drive Thru RPG.Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklinnothomas@denaghdesign.com (This Just In... from Gen Con)A live podcast event, every day at GenCon 2008This Just In... from Gen Con - This Just In... from Gen Conhttp://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/oldlogo.jpghttp://thisjustinfromgencon.com
Copyright (c) 2008 Paul Tevis & Ryan MacklinGames & Hobbies/Other GamesThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.comPaul Tevis & Ryan MacklinSubscribe with My Yahoo!Subscribe with NewsGatorSubscribe with BloglinesSubscribe with NetvibesSubscribe with GoogleSubscribe with PageflakesSubscribe with ODEOSubscribe with PodnovaThis Just In From GenCon is a live & recorded media event happening at GenCon 2008, part of the Podcasting track, to let folks know about things going on at GenCon! Sponsored by Drive Thru RPG.Gen Con Seminar: Intro to Indie RPGs with Jason Pitrehttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/Ha0IaNUxKA0/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/09/gen-con-seminar-intro-to-indie-rpgs-with-jason-pitre/#commentsSun, 09 Sep 2012 19:00:15 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=14 Continue reading]]>Jason Pitre of Genesis of Legend leads a panel discussion about Indie RPGs with guests Kirin Robinson (Old School Hack), Kit La Touche of Transneptune Games (Becoming Heroes, Lucid, and Alibi), and Elizabeth Shoemaker-Sampat (Blowback, They Became Flesh, and It’s Complicated).
]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/09/gen-con-seminar-intro-to-indie-rpgs-with-jason-pitre/feed/0Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,indie RPGs,Jason Pitre,seminarJason Pitre of Genesis of Legend leads a panel discussion about Indie RPGs with guests Kirin Robinson (Old School Hack), Kit La Touche of Transneptune Games (Becoming Heroes, Lucid, and Alibi), and Elizabeth Shoemaker-Sampat (Blowback, They Became Flesh,Jason Pitre of Genesis of Legend leads a panel discussion about Indie RPGs with guests Kirin Robinson (Old School Hack), Kit La Touche of Transneptune Games (Becoming Heroes, Lucid, and Alibi), and Elizabeth Shoemaker-Sampat (Blowback, They Became Flesh, and It's Complicated).This Just In... from Gen Conno50:18http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/09/gen-con-seminar-intro-to-indie-rpgs-with-jason-pitre/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/TJI-Intro-to-Indie-RPGs-Panel.mp3This Just In… From Clyde! An Interview with Ralph Mazzahttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/vjZsQivOiyU/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-ralph-mazza/#commentsMon, 27 Aug 2012 19:02:37 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=16 Continue reading]]>Here it is – Clyde’s fourth and final long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con! Clyde talks about Kickstarter with indie game designer Ralph Mazza, co-creator of Universalis, and creator of the (recently Kickstarted!) Blood Red Sands RPG. They discuss the following:

Per Clyde: Black Metal = Cookie Monster, Glam Metal = Elmo

In addition to having recently completed a successful Kickstarter, Ralph is a Kickstarter junkie, and has backed, I believe, all of the Kickstarters. (More accurately, as I write these show notes, he has backed 142 Kickstarter Projects. Which is a lot.)

Ralph talks about the differing needs and dynamics of different types of Kickstarter projects.

]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-emily-care-boss/feed/0Clyde Rhoer,Emily Care Boss,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,interview,LARPing,Nordic LARP,Under My Skinn his third long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con!, Clyde talks with Emily Care Boss of Black & Green Games. (This is a really wide-ranging interview, but I will do my best to summarize.) They discuss the following: - n his third long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con!, Clyde talks with Emily Care Boss of Black & Green Games. (This is a really wide-ranging interview, but I will do my best to summarize.) They discuss the following:
Relationships and romance in roleplaying games. (And a little bit about gender)
The gaming experiences that led Emily to design games revolving around relationships.
Emily’s game Under My Skin, and how it was influenced by Nordic LARP.
A general discussion of different forms of Nordic LARP, and how it differs from U.S. styles of tabletop roleplay and LARP.
The history and development of LARP.
The logistics of running LARPs.
Horde LARPs
More discussion about the range of play styles and tone in Nordic LARP.
Relevant Links
Leaving Mundania by Lizzie Stark
Vi åker jeep—the home of Jeepform
New England Interactive Literature
Major David Wesely on Wikipedia
A great post about Braunstein by Ben Robbins
Clyde’s Interview with Major Wesely (this is great!)
Nordic LARP book
Knutepunkt on the Nordic LARP Wiki
LARP in RussiaThis Just In... from Gen Conno50:47http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-emily-care-boss/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/Clyde-Interview-Emily-Care-Boss-Final.mp3Exhibit Hall Interview – Cam Banks of Margaret Weis Productionshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/xsFClRd-RAc/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-cam-banks-of-margaret-weis-productions/#commentsWed, 22 Aug 2012 20:54:35 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=23 Continue reading]]>We venture into Gen Con’s massive exhibit hall to talk with celebrated Cortex Plus designer Cam Banks of Margaret Weis Productions about Marvel Heroic Roleplaying and more! Hear what is likely Gen Con 2012′s only recorded shout-out for Avalon Hill’s Kingmaker!
]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-cam-banks-of-margaret-weis-productions/feed/0Cam Banks,Cortex Plus,exhibit hall,Games on Demand,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,interview,Kickstarter,Margaret Weis Productions,Marvel Heroic RoleplayingWe venture into Gen Con's massive exhibit hall to talk with celebrated Cortex Plus designer Cam Banks of Margaret Weis Productions about Marvel Heroic Roleplaying and more! Hear what is likely Gen Con 2012′s only recorded shout-out for Avalon Hill’s Ki...We venture into Gen Con's massive exhibit hall to talk with celebrated Cortex Plus designer Cam Banks of Margaret Weis Productions about Marvel Heroic Roleplaying and more! Hear what is likely Gen Con 2012′s only recorded shout-out for Avalon Hill’s Kingmaker!This Just In... from Gen Conno3:53http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-cam-banks-of-margaret-weis-productions/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/TJI-Cam-Banks-Interview-Final.mp3This Just In… From Clyde! An interview with Elizabeth Shoemaker Sampathttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/L4uJCa2l4EY/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-elizabeth-shoemaker-sampat/#commentsWed, 22 Aug 2012 19:59:23 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=26 Continue reading]]>In his second long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con!, Clyde talks with Elizabeth Shoemaker Sampat, creator of indie RPGs like Blowback, They Became Flesh, and It’s Complicated, and designer on online social games such as Pettington Park and Ghost Recon Commander. They discuss gamification, game design in everyday life, and social gaming.
]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-elizabeth-shoemaker-sampat/feed/0Blowback,Clyde Rhoer,Elizabeth Shoemaker Sampat,gamification,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,interview,It's Complicated,They Became FleshIn his second long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con!, Clyde talks with Elizabeth Shoemaker Sampat, creator of indie RPGs like Blowback, They Became Flesh, and It’s Complicated, and designer on online social games such as Pettington Park an...In his second long-form interview for This Just In… From Gen Con!, Clyde talks with Elizabeth Shoemaker Sampat, creator of indie RPGs like Blowback, They Became Flesh, and It’s Complicated, and designer on online social games such as Pettington Park and Ghost Recon Commander. They discuss gamification, game design in everyday life, and social gaming.This Just In... from Gen Conno24:51http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-elizabeth-shoemaker-sampat/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/elizabeth_s-s_final.mp3Exhibit Hall Interview – Andrew Hackard of Steve Jackson Gameshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/igZPvOEfiyw/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-andrew-hackard-of-steve-jackson-games/#commentsTue, 21 Aug 2012 21:01:51 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=28 Continue reading]]>We talk with Andrew Hackard of Steve Jackson Games! We cover the following:

]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-andrew-hackard-of-steve-jackson-games/feed/0Andrew Hackard,Car Wars,Chez Geek,exhibit hall,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,interview,Munchkin,Ogre,Steve Jackson Games,The GuildWe talk with Andrew Hackard of Steve Jackson Games! We cover the following: The upcoming Munchkin game based on the original 1962 Mars Attacks! trading card series, using the original card art. The upcoming Guild-themed version of Chez Geek,We talk with Andrew Hackard of Steve Jackson Games! We cover the following:
The upcoming Munchkin game based on the original 1962 Mars Attacks! trading card series, using the original card art.
The upcoming Guild-themed version of Chez Geek, called, amazingly enough, Chez Guild.
Progress on Ogre, and estimates of just how huge the box is going to be.
Car Wars!
Their new game, CastellanThis Just In... from Gen Conno3:57http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-andrew-hackard-of-steve-jackson-games/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/Steve-Jackson-Games-Interview-Final.mp3Exhibit Hall Interview – Mark Pollard of Fantasy Flight Gameshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/n2eZvyFI60c/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-mark-pollard-of-fantasy-flight-games/#commentsTue, 21 Aug 2012 19:04:54 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=30We talk to Mark Pollard of Fantasy Flight Games about their new line of Star Wars roleplaying games! Apologies – I really tried to get him to commit to a 40K/Star Wars crossover sourcebook, but no dice.
]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-mark-pollard-of-fantasy-flight-games/feed/0Edge of the Empire,exhibit hall,Fantasy Flight Games,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,interview,Mark Pollard,Star Wars,Warhammer 40kWe talk to Mark Pollard of Fantasy Flight Games about their new line of Star Wars roleplaying games! Apologies – I really tried to get him to commit to a 40K/Star Wars crossover sourcebook, but no dice.We talk to Mark Pollard of Fantasy Flight Games about their new line of Star Wars roleplaying games! Apologies – I really tried to get him to commit to a 40K/Star Wars crossover sourcebook, but no dice.This Just In... from Gen Conno4:34http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-mark-pollard-of-fantasy-flight-games/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/TJI-Fantasy-Flight-Games-Interview.mp3This Just In… From Clyde! An Interview with John Stavropoulos of NerdNYChttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/s6iP5JBah9M/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-john-stavropoulos-of-nerdnyc/#commentsMon, 20 Aug 2012 21:07:17 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=32 Continue reading]]>This is the first of the long-form interviews Clyde Rhoer did for us at Gen Con, and it’s awesome. Clyde interviews John Stavropoulos of NerdNYC about his experience running games for thousands of strangers, and the techniques he uses to overcome social awkwardness and make gaming with strangers (or friends, for that matter) fun, inclusive and safe.

As an added bonus, Terry Hope Romero talks about her techniques for engaging players and kicking off amazing con games!

Finally, here are some notes from John about his X-Card technique:

John Stavropoulos on how he uses x-cards in practice:

I find the pitch is as important as the X-Card itself. Here is a breakdown of why I chose these specific words…

1. “I’d like your help.”

A lot of times we don’t get what we want in life because we don’t ask for it. This also makes it clear that it’s not all on me.

2. “Your help to make this game fun for everyone.”

State the goal, set expectations. Make it clear it’s not about individuals but the group.

3. “If anything in the game makes anyone uncomfortable…”

I switch from saying “you” to “anyone” and “we” below to reinforce it’s about the group’s needs. I say “anything” so it’s not limited or specific because I don’t want to prejudge what people find uncomfortable because it’s subjective and I’m not here to judge.

“…just simply lift this card up.”

It’s so easy! I will then actually lift the card to make it clear physically how easy it is.

4. “Don’t explain why.”

Explaining is bad because it’s extra effort, a higher barrier to accomplish your goal, and it can feel like being put on trial. Plus explanations means more time not playing.

5.”When the card is lifted, we simply edit out any uncomfortable content…”

Repeat what they need to do “lift the card” and emphasize how it is simple and fast.

“…and move forward.”

Nothing to see here. The focus shifts back to having fun, not judgement.

6. “I know it sounds funny but it will help us play amazing games together…”

It does sound funny to most people so I prefer to acknowledge what most people are thinking than let it go unsaid. Saying it out loud takes away its stigma and says “I understand” + “but trust me”.

“…and usually I’m the one who ends up using the X card to protect myself from you all!”

It’s not just about them, it’s also about me. We’re in this together. The rules apply to everyone. And it takes the edge off a potential serious topic by ending with humor.

I will then usually X-Card myself early on in the game. Say I describe a gory fight, I might say out loud, “whoa John, relax there” and lift the X-Card on myself to show everyone it’s no big deal and I’d rather make the game comfortable for everyone and put my own ego aside.

]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-john-stavropoulos-of-nerdnyc/feed/0Clyde Rhoer,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,John Stavropoulos,NerdNYC,Terry Hope Romero,X-CardsThis is the first of the long-form interviews Clyde Rhoer did for us at Gen Con, and it’s awesome. Clyde interviews John Stavropoulos of NerdNYC about his experience running games for thousands of strangers,This is the first of the long-form interviews Clyde Rhoer did for us at Gen Con, and it’s awesome. Clyde interviews John Stavropoulos of NerdNYC about his experience running games for thousands of strangers, and the techniques he uses to overcome social awkwardness and make gaming with strangers (or friends, for that matter) fun, inclusive and safe.
As an added bonus, Terry Hope Romero talks about her techniques for engaging players and kicking off amazing con games!
Finally, here are some notes from John about his X-Card technique:
John Stavropoulos on how he uses x-cards in practice:
I find the pitch is as important as the X-Card itself. Here is a breakdown of why I chose these specific words…
1. “I’d like your help.”
A lot of times we don’t get what we want in life because we don’t ask for it. This also makes it clear that it’s not all on me.
2. “Your help to make this game fun for everyone.”
State the goal, set expectations. Make it clear it’s not about individuals but the group.
3. “If anything in the game makes anyone uncomfortable…”
I switch from saying “you” to “anyone” and “we” below to reinforce it’s about the group’s needs. I say “anything” so it’s not limited or specific because I don’t want to prejudge what people find uncomfortable because it’s subjective and I’m not here to judge.
“…just simply lift this card up.”
It’s so easy! I will then actually lift the card to make it clear physically how easy it is.
4. “Don’t explain why.”
Explaining is bad because it’s extra effort, a higher barrier to accomplish your goal, and it can feel like being put on trial. Plus explanations means more time not playing.
5.”When the card is lifted, we simply edit out any uncomfortable content…”
Repeat what they need to do “lift the card” and emphasize how it is simple and fast.
“…and move forward.”
Nothing to see here. The focus shifts back to having fun, not judgement.
6. “I know it sounds funny but it will help us play amazing games together…”
It does sound funny to most people so I prefer to acknowledge what most people are thinking than let it go unsaid. Saying it out loud takes away its stigma and says “I understand” + “but trust me”.
“…and usually I’m the one who ends up using the X card to protect myself from you all!”
It’s not just about them, it’s also about me. We’re in this together. The rules apply to everyone. And it takes the edge off a potential serious topic by ending with humor.
I will then usually X-Card myself early on in the game. Say I describe a gory fight, I might say out loud, “whoa John, relax there” and lift the X-Card on myself to show everyone it’s no big deal and I’d rather make the game comfortable for everyone and put my own ego aside.This Just In... from Gen Conno1:03:58http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/this-just-in-from-clyde-an-interview-with-john-stavropoulos-of-nerdnyc/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/TJI-Clyde-John-Stav-Interview-Final.mp3Exhibit Hall Interview – Arc Dream Publishinghttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/ThisJustInFromGenCon/~3/kuPLWGkP7-M/
http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-arc-dream/#commentsSun, 19 Aug 2012 21:10:36 +0000ThisJustInFromGenCon@gmail.com (Paul Tevis & Ryan Macklin)http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/?p=34 Continue reading]]>We interview Shane Ivey and Dennis Detwiller of Arc Dream Publishing! We talk about the following:

]]>http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-arc-dream/feed/0Arc Dream Publishing,Dennis Detwiller,exhibit hall,Gen Con,Gen Con 2012,Godlike,interview,Night's Black Agents,Over the Edge,Shane Ivey,The One RingWe interview Shane Ivey and Dennis Detwiller of Arc Dream Publishing! We talk about the following: This is Dennis’ first Gen Con in ten years! The new edition of Godlike is finally available! Everyone at Arc Dream is hard at work on the new sta...We interview Shane Ivey and Dennis Detwiller of Arc Dream Publishing! We talk about the following:
This is Dennis’ first Gen Con in ten years!
The new edition of Godlike is finally available!
Everyone at Arc Dream is hard at work on the new stand-alone Delta Green RPG!
Shane Ivey’s must-buy (non Arc Dream) products were the new One Ring Loremaster’s Screen and Tales from Wilderland, and the new Iron Kingdoms RPG.
Dennis was really excited about Ken Hite’s Night’s Black Agents, and the 20th anniversary edition of Over the Edge.This Just In... from Gen Conno9:06http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/2012/08/exhibit-hall-interview-arc-dream/http://thisjustinfromgencon.com/wp-content/podcasts/Ivey-Detwiler.mp3Copyright (c) 2008 Paul Tevis & Ryan MacklinPaul Tevis & Ryan MacklinnonadultA live podcast event, every day at GenCon 2008